In the study, 1040 participants filled out a questionnaire regarding their level of anxiousness and depression, how many hours they listen to music each day, how important music is to them, what emotions they experience during music listening, what kind of music they prefer, as well as the consolation experienced as a result of music listening. The questions related to consolation inquired whether the respondents experienced consolation from music in the first place, and if they did, which aspects of music listening produced the consolation:

the lyrics (the content is appealing, the artist is singing precisely about how the listener is feeling),

the feeling of togetherness (with the artist or the other fans),

or the music itself (the musical atmosphere or sounds). According to the results, 69.4% of the participants used music for consolation, with female participants using music for consolation slightly more than male participants (73.9% and 58.3%, respectively).

When looking at which aspects of music specifically produce consolation, the lyrics as well as the music itself proved most powerful.

The feeling of togetherness with the musician or other fans was not as significant. However, when looking at gender differences, the pattern was different, as male respondents reported experiencing consolation through the feeling of togetherness more often female respondents.

But does it work? Is music listening successful in providing consolation? The results suggest a tentative yes. When looking at connections between the anxiety and depression levels of respondents and the experience of consolation from music, clear trends were apparent. The lyrical content and features of the music were positively connected with consolation from anxiousness and depression. In addition, the experience of high affect during music listening was connected to experience of consolation. In terms of which musical genres were most consoling, pop and rock seemed to trump dance music, which was negatively associated with consolation.

As this study is a cross-sectional survey of the study population, there are limitations to the conclusions that can be drawn. In future, longitudinal studies that track responses in the same participants over time may be able to draw causal links between the different consoling effects of music listening, and changes in mood. Nevertheless, this work suggests that the solace provided by music listening may serve as one route to better management of mood and mental health. So the next time you are feeling blue why not prescribe yourself some music with lyrics that help you feel understood, or music with a soothing, comforting atmosphere, or one that helps you feel connected to others?